On the rise

Being part of a club heading in the right direction was key in Will Buckley’s decision to join Wednesday on a season-long loan.

The Sunderland winger signed for the Owls on Friday and could go straight into the squad to face Aston Villa in Sunday’s Championship curtain raiser.

He told swfc.co.uk: “The club, the manager and what the team achieved last season, it’s the kind of thing you want to be part of.

“As a player, you want to be part of a club that is pushing forward and Sheffield Wednesday certainly fits the bill.

“Because it’s a season-long loan, it will help in the settling process and I can take it that this is my club now.”

Buckley’s aim is to challenge for a starting shirt, something that has eluded the wideman over the past couple of campaigns.

But the 26-year-old is confident he can recapture more prolific seasons of old and prove a hit at Hillsborough.

He explained: “Hopefully I can be a good addition and bring something positive to the club. It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a good run of first team football and I need that to get back to where I want to be.

“When the opportunity came up to join Sheffield Wednesday, I jumped at it. I want to make an impact in every game I play.

“It has always seemed a great club and I spoke to Fletch last night and he’s loving it here.

“Having played with him for the last couple of years at Sunderland, I’m sure he will help me settle in.”